“What’s the deal here?” David said in a smart voice. “You had to ask me twice, so I have to ask you twice? What is it?”
The archangel pulled the page back out of his robe and opened it up. Flopping it at David as if it were a wilted stick, he said, “That Albert. Almost everyone obeys the rules, except Albert. I have to talk with him at least once a week. This is Albert’s.”
David held up three fingers. “Three times, friend,” he said. “What is it?”
“Time travel,” Gabriel said simply. “We’ve always been able to do it, of course, but Albert got so close to the formula while on earth that he hasn’t been able to leave it alone.”
“Is that it?” David asked with a grin. “Did he get it right?”
Gabriel nodded and narrowed his eyes. “But I’ll never tell him so,” he said with a smile. David laughed again.
“Good-bye, David Ponder. I will see you again,” Gabriel said.
David stood. “Good-bye, Gabriel. Thank you . . . for everything.”
“Do you have the declaration?” Gabriel asked and watched as David patted his jacket pocket and nodded. With that assurance, the archangel slowly extended his wings, arching them up for the mighty thrust that would take him away.
David stepped back. It was at that moment that Gabriel paused. Looking at the tobacco pouch and the other items on David’s desk, he relaxed a bit, though his wings were still above his head. “Why do you keep those things, David Ponder?” he asked. “Do you not know the Seven Decisions by now?”
“Yes. I do,” David said. “But I keep them all in the pouch, and every now and then, I take them out to touch, to feel.” He gestured at the items with his hand. “They encourage me when I am down. They remind me to always depend on the truth.” David smiled. “And they prove to me every day that this really did happen.”
The archangel returned the smile. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, he plucked a beautiful white feather from under his wing. The deep gold of the tip shimmered as he held it up to be seen. “Yes, David Ponder,” Gabriel said as he placed the feather on the tobacco pouch, “this really did happen.”
And with a thrust of his wings and a burst of light, he was gone.
AUTHOR’S NOTE
In hopes of adding to your experience and satisfaction with this book, I wanted to offer a bit more information. The following should answer at least two of the questions that might have been rolling around the edges of your imagination as David Ponder’s story unfolded.
First, it is true that I am responsible for most of the words spoken by the historical characters. A very few of those words, however, are direct quotes from that character that I merely placed in context of the discussion. For instance, Winston Churchill really did refer to his depression as “the black dog,” and while most of his conversation about the subject was created for the reader, the paragraph about him not standing near the edge of a platform at a train station and avoiding the rail of a ship was all his. Winston Churchill spoke precisely those words.
While conversations between the summit’s participants were obviously created, the background information about each character is, without exception, absolutely true. And yes, that includes the facts about the life of Eric Erickson.
I wonder if you were as shocked reading about Erickson as I was uncovering the story of this unbelievable man! Every moment described in this book really happened, and again, just as I did while writing The Heart Mender, I constantly asked myself, “Why is this not in history books? How is it possible that no one seems to have heard this story?!”
The tale of Eric and his wife Ingrid was, without a doubt, the most frustrating research I have ever done on a subject for whom almost no information exists in a single location. Eric is mentioned here and there in old transcripts and in the records of both the Allies and Nazi Germany. And again, for the record, President Eisenhower and Albert Speer really did say that Eric Erickson was responsible for the ending of the war.
The one hugely interesting fact that for some reason I chose not to include in this book was actually the closest Eric ever came to being caught. By happenstance one evening while in Germany, Eric ran into an old acquaintance he had thought long dead. The man was suspicious of Eric’s presence in Germany at that time and questioned him thoroughly. Midway through the conversation, the man suddenly began acting friendly and as if he believed everything he was hearing
Not trusting the sudden change of heart he had observed, as they parted, Eric doubled back and followed his interrogator. Sure enough, the man stopped at the first pay phone he saw and began reporting to the Gestapo a traitor in their midst. Before the man could utter his name, Eric dragged him from the phone booth and into an alley. There, Eric killed the only person who ever suspected his true intentions . . . with a pocketknife.
Andy Andrews
Orange Beach, Alabama
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am blessed to be surrounded by friends and family who have become a team of which I am thrilled to be a part. If I can ever be perceived as a person who makes good and informed choices, it is only because of my reliance on the wise counsel of these people. Thank you all for your presence in my life.
To Polly, my wife and best friend: Thanks for your love, wit, patience, and happy spirit.
To Austin and Adam, our boys: You guys are the best. I am so proud of who you are becoming. Remember to smile while you talk!
To Robert D. Smith, my personal manager and champion: After thirty years together, you still amaze me every day. And it’s not just me—everyone thinks you are the best!
To Todd Rainsberger: your “story” advice is always appreciated. And fun!
To Scott Jeffrey: you are the Bear Bryant of “life coaches.”
To Duane Ward and the whole incredible gang at Premiere Speakers Bureau: you are not just partners; you are friends.
To Gail and Mike Hyatt, who gave life to my career as an author: I am honored to call you friends.
To Jennifer Stair, my editor, whose careful eye and quick mind made this a much better book: I very much appreciate your calm tact and great humor. To the dozens of people at Thomas Nelson who touched this book through marketing and sales.
To Matt Baugher, my publisher from Thomas Nelson: Thanks for your wise guidance and encouragement. In addition to being the best at what you do, you have become a great friend and definitely made “this author thing” a lot more fun.
To Kurt V. Beasley and Brent C. Gray, who handle the legal rights to all my intellectual property.
To Sandi Dorff, Paula Tebbe, and Susie White, who direct the daily parts of my life: without the effort, prayer, and attention to detail of you three ladies, my own efforts would not come to nearly so much.
To Nicholas Francis, Denny Swindle, and Zachary Smith: thank you for your Web mastery and simply making the Internet work. To Jared McDaniel and Kevin Burr: thanks for your sense of humor and unbelievable artistic ability—both in print and on the Web.
To Nate Bailey: many thanks for your organizational skills, happy demeanor, and “never say die” attitude. To Paul “Saul” Fries, Matt Lempert, Ben Mills, David Loy, and Will Hoekenga for their amazing behind-the-scenes work in the Nashville office. To Melinda and Christian Leake and Peggy Hoekenga for developing fantastic curriculum for this book and all the others.
To Mary Graham and all my buddies on the Women of Faith tour: thanks for your laughter and encouragement!
To authors Gloria Gaither, Jack Higgens, Andy Stanley, and others too numerous to mention: your influence on my style is probably apparent, but I wanted to say thanks anyway.
To Paul Krupin and George and Margaret Uribe for their masterful ability to get the word out to the masses. To Greg and Sara Travis for their unrivaled capability to communicate stories through video.
Special thanks to Shannon and John D. Smith for the use of their little yellow cottage. It was the perfect place to write!
Thanks to Tammy and Bo Cross for the use of thei
r awesome beach house during the two weeks the Smith cottage was unavailable!
To Katrina and Jerry Anderson; Vicki and Brian Bakken; Erik Born; Don Brindley; Sunny Brownlee; Foncie and Joe Bullard; Brent and Pam Burns; Bailey Callaway; Myrth and Cliff Callaway; Kayla Carter; Jennifer R. Casebier; Julie and Doug Cassens; Gloria and Bill Gaither; Lillian and Edward Gilley; Gloria and Martin Gonzalez; Greta and Greg Good; Bill Gothard; Lynn and Mike Jakubik; Kent Kirby; Deb and Gilbert Little; Nancy Lopez; Mark Lowry; Melanie and Mike Martin; Karen and Alan McBride; Liz and Bob McEwen; Edna McLoyd; Mary and Jim Pace; Glenda and Kevin Perkins; Brenda and Todd Rainsberger; Sharon and Dave Ramsey; Becky and Ted Romano; Barbara Selvey; Claudia and Pat Simpson; Shannon and John D. Smith; Jean and Sandy Stimpson; Dr. Christopher Surek; Marla and Dan Toigo; Maryann and Jerry Tyler; Wade, Pat, Joey, and Elizabeth Ward; Mary Ann and Dave Winck; Kristi and Steve Woods; Kathy and Mike Wooley; and Sherry and Richard Wright: your influence in my life is undeniable, and your example is very much appreciated.
READERS’ GUIDE
Chapter 1
1. Make a list of the Seven Decisions. Which of these Seven Decisions is the hardest to apply to your life? Which of these Decisions is the easiest to implement? Explain your answer.
2. Looking back on your life, name one incident that you might regret. Of the Seven Decisions mentioned above, which one could have helped you the most in that situation? How can seeking wisdom help in these types of situations?
3. “Adversity is preparation for greatness.” What does this mean to you, and how can it apply to your life?
Chapter 2
1. What would it be like to live “in truth” every day? Would this make your life harder or easier? Explain your answer.
2. In your own life, do you have memories for which you have “rewritten the history to make it more ‘palatable’”? If so, why do you think you have done so? Did it work for or against you in the long run?
3. Do you ever turn from the real truth to re-create your own version of truth? If so, does this ever help your future?
4. Has someone ever entrusted you with a seemingly overwhelming responsibility that you didn’t think you were capable of handling? Did you try? If so, were you more capable than you had originally anticipated?
5. Why is David considered the perfect example of the human race or “common man”? List three reasons why David was chosen as a leader.
6. Do you ever use your personal “failures” to advance your own “wisdom’s cause”?
Chapter 3
1. Up until now, have you experienced an “intermission” in your life? If so, reflect on that experience. What led up to this intermission? What steps did you take to move past the intermission and into the second act?
2. Reflecting on the question above, why is perspective such an important ingredient in moving forward to the second act?
3. Do you have a “memory of success” that might prompt and encourage you to a greater level of success in the future?
4. Have you experienced the “encouragement of success” and not come out of the Valley? What holds you back from moving forward? What obstacles are stopping you from succeeding?
Chapter 4
1. In order to start a second act, what would be your new direction? How can you begin that new course today?
2. How has your definition of success changed after reading this book? How does this new definition contribute to your success?
3. Is having success the same thing as having a successful life?
4. What did Churchill mean by the term “Principle of the Path”?
5. In the past, have you made decisions to have a life of success or a successful life? Which one is more important and why?
Chapter 5
1. Can you remember a time when you lived without hope? How did this affect your life? How did you restore your hope?
2. What does the word hope mean to you? Is hope more important to you after reading this book? Why or why not?
3. What did Joan say was the proof of hope? Do you agree?
Chapter 6
1. Prior to reading The Final Summit, what was your definition of wisdom? How has that definition changed?
2. How does wisdom differ from knowledge? Has there been a time in your life when you have mistaken wisdom for knowledge?
3. How have you gained wisdom? Has it been through imitation, as the Travelers suggested? Do you agree with David that imitation is “the easiest way to gain wisdom”?
4. How can you apply wisdom in your life? How will this help lead you to a life of success?
Chapter 7
1. How did Eric Erickson define courage? Do you think this definition can make it easier to be courageous?
2. Do you believe you have the “power” to achieve whatever you wish? How can a lack of courage get in your way?
3. Which has had more impact on your life, courage or cowardice? Explain your answer.
4. Do you agree with Joan that physical courage is more common than moral courage? Why is this (or is it not?) so? How do you define moral courage?
Chapter 8
1. What do you think Gabriel meant when he said humans are egotistical? Explain your answer.
2. According to Gabriel, why is the current civilization in peril? Do you agree that these reasons can destroy a civilization?
3. Do you ever rely on the idea of chance? Is relying on this idea a good thing or a bad thing? Why or why not?
4. What did Gabriel say chance has done to mankind?
Chapter 9
1. What did Churchill mean by the “black dog”? What does your “black dog” look like? Do you agree that it is always nearby?
2. According to Churchill, how can you get good answers? What did King David offer as the answer?
3. Why did King David practice self-discipline? How does self-discipline help remind you of what you really want in life?
4. What question did King David say “fuels a person” into self-discipline? Do you agree that self-discipline helps yield great rewards? Why or why not?
5. What is the best evidence for the power of self-discipline, according to King David? Are there things that you don’t do because you lack self-discipline?
6. How would you answer the question, “What do you really want?”
7. Are self-sacrifice and self-discipline related? If so, how?
Chapter 10
1. What did George Washington Carver say would determine greatness?
2. Do you agree with Joan when she said, “Character is a thing we alone are responsible to form”? How do we form character? How would you describe your character?
3. What were Lincoln’s definitions of reputation and character? How is character determined, and how is it built?
4. King David said, “Nothing shows a person’s character more than his habits.” What are your habits, and what kind of character do they portray?
Chapter 11
1. Why is the hourglass important? In what ways does behaving wisely versus foolishly have an effect on the “hourglass”? What was Gabriel’s main point?
2. Do adversity and the feeling of hopelessness put “wind in your sails”? If not, what must you do to think this way?
3. Do you believe that you matter just as much as the next person in making more “time” for humanity? Why or why not?
Chapter 12
1. What caused the sand in the hourglass to stop?
2. Is it easier for you to be idle and waste your unused time when adversity strikes? Why?
3. Have you ever forgotten your value as a human being? What values do you believe human beings possess? Do you believe all humans have an equal value in this world?
4. Have you ever fenced in your own life? What could you do to show your value to others? What could you be doing “right now”?
5. Could you sign your name on the “personal declaration”?
6. What was the final answer?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hailed by a New York Times reporter as “someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America,” ANDY ANDREWS is the author of New York Times best sellers The Noticer and The Traveler’s Gift, and is also an in-demand speaker for the world’s largest organizations. Zig Ziglar says, “Andy Andrews is the best speaker I have ever seen.” The Traveler’s Gift and The Noticer were featured selections of ABC’s Good Morning America, have been translated into nearly twenty languages, and continue to appear on best-seller lists around the world. Andy has spoken at the request of four different United States presidents and toured military bases around the world, being called upon by the Department of Defense to speak about the principles contained in his books. Arguably, there is no single person on the planet better at weaving subtle yet life-changing lessons into riveting tales of adventure and intrigue—both on paper and onstage. He lives in Orange Beach, Alabama, with his wife, Polly, and their two sons.
For more information, visit www.AndyAndrews.com
Author’s Note
The
NOTICER
Sometimes, all a person needs
is a little perspective.